302 – Emerging Trends in Probiotics

Probiotic science is leading to more cutting edge products.

Interview with Maggie Johnle

Digestive Health

CLICK on image for more interviews.

The probiotic category is a hotbed of research and as a result new products are emerging at a rapid rate. The science of probiotics is revealing the unique benefits of genetically identifiable strains. This is leading to more specifically targeted products. It also means that consumers must continue to gain more understanding in order to sort out the products and the claims. There are a lot of good companies making good probiotics. There is also way too many products that are inferior in some way or another that is not always obvious. Then there are companies like Renew Life who seek to create more consumer friendly products based on the latest science.

If you, as a consumer, are sometimes overwhelmed or confused by the market, I am here to tell you to relax and not despair. Especially when it comes to choosing a product, research tells us that when confronted with too many choices, people have a harder time making a decision. The good news is that there are great products from companies who care. Find companies that you have confidence in and then explore what they have to offer. You can always evaluate your experience and try different products until you find the one that works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

In this interview with Maggie Johnle, we will discuss the importance of probiotics in human nutrition. We will discuss the emerging science and how that is expressed by Renew Life. What does this mean to consumers? Probiotics can be a confusing category and we will sort out some of that confusion in this interview. We’ll look at Renew Life new probiotics to examine how these new trends can benefit you.

Emerging Trends – in no particular order

  • Strains – What is important is that strains are now being uniquely genetically identified. The unique strains are being studied and the benefits of the specific strain can be articulated and incorporated into products. This allows for targeted support for diverse issues.
  • Number of bacteria – Over the past decade the trend has been for an ever increasing bacteria count. We have gone from 1 billion to 15 billion to 50 billion to 100 billion and upward to 200 billion. Higher and higher counts are not necessarily correlated with better benefits. While there is nothing wrong with higher potency products, there is a cost. You can get benefits at more nominal potencies. There are other more important considerations.
  • Organic Prebiotics – Prebiotics are the food provided for the nourishment of the bacteria. Adding prebiotics to a supplement helps assure the bacteria have an immediate source of food. Many companies use no prebiotics and of those that do, most do not use organic forms. Organic xylooligosaccharides or XOS has been shown to increase the number of beneficial microflora in the colon and to help replenish Bifidobacteria that may be depleted as a result of normal aging.* XOS derived from organic corncob that is gentle and well tolerated for everyone in your family.*
  • Targeted Formulas – This is an important distinction that is being made possible because of the ongoing research. Some of the most common issues that are benefited by probiotics are constipation, diarrhea, immune issues, weight loss, urinary and vaginal balance and of course just for everyday use. Targeted products will include clinically effective strains for those issues.
  • Refrigeration – This is one of the hotly debated issues in the supplement industry. Do probiotics require refrigeration to remain viable and effective. The answer seems to be mostly no. Modern probiotics seem to remain stable even when not refrigerated. There are some brands that strongly suggest refrigeration and they ship their products to stores in cold packs. Follow the label directions. It will never hurt to refrigerate probiotics as that will provide the longest survival time.
  • Certifications – Look for 3rd party certifications such as organic and non-GMO
  • Guarantee – Good probiotics should remain viable through the expiration date under normal storage conditions. Look for products that are guaranteed potency through the expiration date.

New Renew Life Probiotic + Prebiotics for you to consider.

  • DAILY BALANCE: everyday digestive & immune support*
    Daily Balance formula works to continually replenish a healthy gut bacteria balance and maintain digestive health and regularity.* With four keystone strains known for their gut health properties—plus six additional Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli strains—it also helps to support healthy immune and respiratory systems.*
  • WOMEN’S DAILY: urinary, vaginal, digestive & immune support*
    Because women’s bodies have unique needs, Women’s Daily formula contains several specific strains that have been clinically demonstrated to help support women’s health.* In addition to promoting digestive and immune health, they work to promote healthy vaginal flora.* Organic cranberry extract is added to help maintain urinary tract health.*
  • RETURN TO REGULAR: occasional constipation, plus digestive & immune support*
    Did you know occasional constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States? According to the National Institutes of Health, it affects roughly 42 million Americans. Return to Regular formula contains probiotic strains clinically demonstrated to support regularity.* Working together with the organic prebiotics, they help to support regular bowel movements and reduce occasional bloating.*
  • STRONG & READY: immune, respiratory and digestive support*
    Strong & Ready formula helps support the immune system at every stage in life.* Its keystone strains have been clinically demonstrated to support digestive health and to help maintain long-term and seasonal respiratory health.*
  • KIDS DAILY COMPLETE: digestive, regularity, immune & respiratory support*
    Children encounter constant challenges to their immune and digestive systems as they grow and develop, and just like adults they benefit from getting additional good bacteria throughout their lives. Kids Daily Complete formula contains 10 billion live cultures per single-serve packet to support gut diversity and help strengthen your child’s immune system.* It also includes Wellmune® to help ensure healthier days.* Wellmune beta glucan is derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that has been demonstrated in clinical studies to enhance immunity in children.*

Renew Life products are found in most good independent health food stores.

Maggie Johnle, CNC/HHP
Maggie is a holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and a Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC) with experience in writing, teaching and presenting on many topics. Maggie has been with Renew Life in the Sales & Education functions since 2004 specializing in sales support through education. She calls Palm Harbor, FL home and is Associate Sales Planning Manager for innovation and leads the training team as National Training Manager.

{ 0 comments… add one now }

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: